Doctor insights on:
Family Therapy And Mental Retardation

1

No cure, but help.:
Mental retardation, now referred to as intellectual disability, is defined as having an iq of less than 70 and also experiencing difficulty in social areas. A person's iq does not change over time, but it is important to do everything to help them reach their potential. In many cases, speech, occupational, and/or physical therapies are useful. They also need the best educational setting available.
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Mental retardation is an old fashioned term now replaced with the term “Intellectual Disability”. It is defined as a measured intelligence below the normal range (less than 70) combined with inability to perform activities of daily living . For this designation a person must, in addition to having low measured ability, be significantly limited in at least two of the following areas: self-care, communication, home living, social/interpersonal skills, self-direction, use of community resources, functional academic skills, work, leisure, health, and safety. The four degrees of intellectual disability are mild, (IQ between 55-70) moderate,(between 35 and 50) , severe and profound. In the severe and profound ranges individuals have language, communication and motor impairments and cannot be tested. Profound disability, is usually associated with a neurological condition. In addition to the categories of mild, moderate, severe, and profound, categories are sometimes used to designate those intellectually disabled persons who can benefit from some degree of academic training. Those designated "educable” can handle academic work at a third-to sixth-grade level, and usually have IQs that fall between 50 and 75. The designation “trainable” refers to those who can progress as far as second grade work and can live in a sheltered string without one on one constant care. It is important to know that a measured IQ is not as important as the access to and ability to respond to emotional, educational and social support.
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2

Unfortunately....:
Unfortunately, if mental retardation/intellectual disability is diagnosed, there is little anyone can do to cure it. That said, is the patient is a young child, speech and occupational therapy can increase their skills. The goal should be to help them become the most competent and independent adult they can be.
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3

Time will tell:
Even after the best therapy, bacterial meningitis may leave some permanent or long term effects which may improve over time. The key is to have patience , and to optimize your health with a diet and exercise. After all, your body has been affected by what one may consider to be a "typhoon" or "tornado". In such areas of the world, it will take time to rebuild- this goes the same for your brain.
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4

A psychologist:
or social worker can help you learn some strategies to help w/your situation. There is a lot you can to to help yourself but others need to be involved, including your doc, for the best outcome. Peace and good health.
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5

Some do some don't:
Most older kids and adults will be aware of their learning and performance difficulties when they have milder forms of intellectual impairment. The more profound the impairment, the less likely they are aware of the ramifications.
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6

Family Therapy:
By enlisting support from the family, helping them cope with the patient when he/she returns home, gaining better understanding of the family dynamics & family history as it is relevant to the patient's diagnosis & treatment, gain better understanding of how they interact, provide family education regarding treatment, and help patient reintegrate into the family system.
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7

Family training in :
behavioral techniques is very effective if parents & other family members follow through consistently by ignoring maladaptive behaviors & immediately reinforcing adaptive behaviors, especially in younger children who have acquired language skills. See FSU's study funded by Autism Speaks: https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/parent-training-program-shows-clear-gains-toddlers-autism.
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8

Depression:
I feel your painful hurt.
Thank you for informing about Pregnancy, Tylonol pm, Methylphenidate and insomnia.
Methylphenidate can cause insomnia and emotional lability.
You have right to have Individual Therapy. See Psychiatrist soon.
Inform your mother that it is urgent that she and your father have Individual, Marital Therapy; and you will decide Family Therapy when you are emotionally ready.
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10

Family therapy:
It depends. Usually each family member will express what they feel is important. The therapist will help guide the process. Topic could include finances, responsibilities, fears and worries, etc.
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